Diaper structure with alignment indicator

ABSTRACT

An absorbent garment, such as a diaper structure, includes a visually discernible alignment indicator visible from a body-facing surface. The alignment indicator includes at least one first reference point. The absorbent garment comes with instructions defining the location of the first reference point on the absorbent article, defining the location of a second reference point on a wearer, and instructing the consumer to position the absorbent garment so that the first reference point optically aligns with the second reference point, and to fasten the absorbent garment in the position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a diaper structure having an alignmentindicator for optimal donning and fit, and a method of donning a diaperstructure. Examples of diaper structures include infant diapers, toddlerdiapers, adult-sized diapers, swimwear and the like which requireassembly, adjustment and/or alignment of the front and rear waistbandregions, and fastening during donning.

Diaper structures are designed to provide comfortable fit, highabsorbency, and optimal leakage protection. Typical diaper structuresinclude a chassis having a front waist region, a back waist region,crotch region, and fastenable side panels extending from at least one ofthe front and back waist regions. The chassis typically includes aliquid-permeable body side liner, a liquid-impermeable outer cover, andan absorbent core between them. A surge layer may be present between thebody side liner and absorbent core. A dampness-inhibiting spacer layermay be present between the absorbent core and outer cover. Elasticizedwaistbands and leg bands may also be associated with one or bothwaistband regions or at least partially around the leg openings,respectively.

To achieve the optimal combination of comfortable fit, absorbency andleakage protection, the caregiver is encouraged to don the diaperstructure on the wearer so that the front and rear waist regions aresubstantially aligned with each other. For some diaper structures, theoptimal properties may be achieved by perfect alignment of the front andrear waist regions. For many diaper structures, the optimal propertiesare achieved by aligning the waistband regions so that the front waistedge is slightly below the back waist edge relative to a standingwearer. For the caregiver, it has often been difficult to place thediaper structure under the baby or other wearer and fasten it to achieveoptimal alignment, without multiple attempts. Often, the caregiverfastens the diaper structure on the wearer and then discovers that thewaistband regions are not optimally aligned. The caregiver must thenunfasten the diaper structure, reposition it, and fasten it again untiloptimal alignment is achieved.

Similarly, the caregiver is encouraged to don the diaper structure onthe wearer so that the center of the back waistband and the center ofthe front waistband align with the center of the child's back andstomach. The encouraged side-to-side alignment keeps the leg elasticsequally tight on the child's legs, thus preventing irritation on oneside and leakage on the other side. More particularly, if the diaper iscocked to one side or the other side, the size of the leg holes isdisproportionate. The leg elastics then apply unequal tension, resultingin one side that is tight and the other side that is loose.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a diaper structure having at least onealignment indicator that provides a visually distinguishable firstreference point or an inferred point centered between two references onthe diaper structure. The alignment indicator can be a distinct color,pattern, texture or other feature which visually distinguishes thereference point from the surrounding area on the diaper structure. Thealignment indicator is suitably visible from the body-facing side of thediaper structure prior to applying the diaper structure to the wearer.Consequently, the alignment indicator is not intended for use inpre-fastened garments that are exclusively pull-on garments. Theindicator is suitably provided on the body-facing side of the diaperstructure, or on a layer which is visible from the body-facing side.

The first reference point provided by the alignment indicator ispositioned to optically align with a second reference point defined onthe body of the wearer. In one instance, the second reference point maybe defined as the upper end of the crevice separating the wearer'sbuttocks. In this instance, the alignment indicator may be positioned ina laterally central position on the chassis, longitudinally inward fromthe rear waist edge at a point which is intended to optically align witha second reference point on the wearer, for example the upper end of thewearer's crevice. In another instance, the second reference point may bea point on a baby or other wearer which is barely visible from abovewhen the wearer is lying in a diaper-changing position as the diaperstructure is being donned. In this instance, the alignment indicator maybe an edge of a colored surge material, or an edge of a color patch on abody side liner, which is barely visible from above when the diaperstructure is properly positioned underneath the wearer.

During donning of the diaper structure, the caregiver positions thediaper structure so that the first reference point defined by thealignment indicator optically aligns with the second reference point onthe wearer. By optically aligned, it is meant that the caregiver's eyeis nearly vertical over the wearer, and lines up the first referencepoint on the diaper with the visible position of the second referencepoint on the wearer. The alignment indicator is positioned on the diaperstructure such that when the first reference point aligns with thesecond reference point, and the diaper structure is closed and fastened,the front and rear waist regions will be optimally aligned.

The invention may also include second and third alignment indicatorsthat help the caregiver align the diaper from side to side. In such anembodiment, the caregiver grasps near or on the second indicator andguides it under the wearer to align with the center of the back. This isdone instinctively, or by feel rather than by sights, so the caregivercan optically focus on aligning the first alignment indicator. The thirdalignment indicator is also grasped and the diaper is then folded sothat the third alignment indicator is moved toward and/or over the bellybutton.

The present invention is also directed to a method of donning anabsorbent garment on a wearer. The method includes the steps of definingone or more first reference points on the absorbent garment, definingone or more second reference points on a wearer, placing the absorbentgarment in a position relative to the wearer where the first referencepoint optically aligns with the second reference point, and fasteningthe absorbent garment in that optimal position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a diaper structure, in a fastenedposition with front and back waistband regions in perfect alignment.

FIGS. 2-5 are exploded views of a diaper structure similar to the diaperstructure of FIG. 1 in a stretched flat state, showing the individuallayers and different embodiments of the alignment indicator.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a diaper structure similar to the diaperstructure of FIG. 1 in a stretched flat state, showing the body-facingsurface of the diaper structure and illustrating the positioning ofalignment indicators.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a combination of one or more diaper structuresand a package, wherein the diaper structures are in the package, anddonning instructions are on or in the package.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of donning the diaper structure of FIG. 2 ona wearer.

DEFINITIONS

Within the context of this specification, each term or phrase below willinclude the following meaning or meanings.

“Absorbent garment” includes personal care garments, medical garments,and the like. The term “disposable garment” includes garments that aretypically disposed of after 1-5 uses. The term “personal care garment”includes diapers, diaper pants, training pants, swimwear, absorbentunderpants, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, andthe like. The term “diaper structure” refers to articles that can beassembled on a wearer by securing fasteners when the garment is in placeon a wearer, as opposed to pre-fastened pull-on garments.

“Aligned” refers to a lateral alignment of a front waist region and aback waist region when a diaper structure is fastened on a wearer.“Optimal alignment” means the front and back waist regions are alignedso as to provide optimal fit, absorbency and leakage protection.“Perfect alignment” means the front and back waist regions are alignedso that the front waist edge and back waist edge are aligned. Whileoptimal and perfect alignment may coincide, an optimal alignment oftenresults when the front waist edge is slightly below the back waist edgerelative to a standing wearer.

“Longitudinally aligned” refers to a longitudinal alignment of the frontwaist region with the plane of symmetry that divides the left and rightsides of the wearer, and a longitudinal alignment of the back waistregion with the same left/right plane of symmetry, when a diaperstructure is fastened on the wearer. “Optimal longitudinal alignment”means the left and right front side panels extend an equal distance fromthe left/right symmetry plane of the wearer, and left and right backside panels also extend an equal distance from the left/right symmetryplane of the wearer. This optimal longitudinal alignment assures anequal amount of diaper material overlap on each side of the wearer.

“Attached” refers to the joining, adhering, connecting, bonding, or thelike, of at least two elements. Two elements will be considered to beattached together when they are attached directly to one another orindirectly to one another, such as when each is directly attached tointermediate elements.

“Diaper structure” refers to an absorbent garment having a front waistregion and a back waist region, in which manual adjustment and fasteningare required to align the front waist region relative to the back waistregion on a wearer. The term does not include absorbent garments inwhich the front and back waist regions are permanently aligned in afixed position by pre-attached side panel connections, and cannot bemanually adjusted relative to each other.

“Fastened” refers to a manual attachment wherein the front and rearwaist regions are manually adjusted relative to each other and fastenedin a selected aligned position.

“Fold line” refers to a crease resulting from one section of acontinuous object folded onto another section of the same object.Insignificant wrinkles are not considered to constitute fold lines.

“Longitudinal” and “transverse” have their customary meaning, asindicated by the longitudinal and transverse axes depicted in FIGS. 2-5.The longitudinal axis lies in the plane of the article and is generallyparallel to a vertical plane that bisects a standing wearer into leftand right body halves when the article is worn. The transverse axis liesin the plane of the article generally perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis.

“Nonwoven” and “nonwoven web” refer to materials and webs of materialhaving a structure of individual fibers or filaments which areinterlaid, but not in an identifiable manner as in a knitted fabric. Theterms “fiber” and “filament” are used herein interchangeably. Nonwovenfabrics or webs have been formed from many processes such as, forexample, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, air layingprocesses, and bonded carded web processes. The basis weight of nonwovenfabrics is usually expressed in ounces of material per square yard (osy)or grams per square meter (gsm) and the fiber diameters are usuallyexpressed in microns. (Note that to convert from osy to gsm, multiplyosy by 33.91.)

“Tactically discernible” refers to an indicator that can be detected orperceived by any of the five senses, namely sight, touch, sound, smell,and/or taste.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a diaper structurehas an alignment indicator for optimal alignment of the front and backwaist regions relative to each other and the wearer. For ease ofexplanation, the diaper structure described below is an infant diaper.

Referring to FIG. 1, a diaper 20 is illustrated in a fastened positionas the garment would appear when worn. FIGS. 2-5 illustrate the diaper20 in a stretched flat state with the layers separated in an explodedview for clarity. The diaper 20 includes an absorbent chassis 32defining a front waist region 22, a back waist region 24, and a crotchregion 26 interconnecting the front and back waist regions. In thefastened position, the absorbent chassis 32 defines a three-dimensionalpant configuration having a waist opening 50 and a pair of leg openings39. The chassis 32 includes a body side liner 42 which is configured tocontact the wearer, and an outer cover 40 opposite the body side linerwhich is configured to contact the wearer's clothing. An absorbent core44 (FIG. 2) is positioned or located between the outer cover 40 and thebody side liner 42. The absorbent core 44 has a shorter length and widththan the outer cover 40 and body side liner 42 and is spaced inboardfrom all edges of the outer cover 40 and body side liner 42. A surgelayer 43, placed between the body side liner 42 and absorbent core 44,facilitates rapid transfer and distribution of liquid to the absorbentcore 44.

The front waist region 22 includes the portion of the diaper 20 which,when worn, is positioned on the front of the wearer while the back waistregion 24 includes the portion of the diaper which, when worn, ispositioned on the back of the wearer. The crotch region 26 of the diaper20 includes the portion of the diaper which, when worn, is positionedbetween the legs of the wearer and covers the lower torso of the wearer.The regions 22, 24 and 26 may be defined as each encompassing aboutone-third of the length of the diaper 20; however, either waist regionmay encompass as little as 10% of the diaper length. For purposes oflocating waist area indicators, the front and/or back waist regions maybe restricted to about 20% of the diaper length, or about 10% of thediaper length.

The waist regions 22, 24 are configured to encircle the waist of thewearer when the diaper 20 is worn. Portions of the materials in the backwaist region 24 may overlap the materials in the front waist region 22,or vice-versa, when the diaper is assembled to encircle the legs andwaist of the wearer. A longitudinal length of the absorbent chassis 32is the distance between (and including) the front waist region 22 andthe back waist region 24. The longitudinal length is measured parallelto the longitudinal axis. For reference, arrows 48 and 49 depicting theorientation of the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis,respectively, of the diaper 20 are illustrated in FIGS. 2-5.

The illustrated outer cover 40 has elastic waist bands 52 and 54disposed adjacent to or near the front waist edge 51 and rear waist edge53, respectively, and elastic leg bands 56 and 58 disposed adjacent tolateral side edges 55 and 57, respectively. Side panels 34 laterallyextend from the back waist region 24 of outer cover 40. The side panels34 may be extensions of the outer cover material 40 or the body sideliner material 42, or may be a separate material attached to the outercover 40 or the body side liner 42, or may be sandwiched between theouter cover 40 and the body side liner 42. Fastener tabs 36 disposed onside panels 34 are adapted for engagement with landing member 38 on thefront waist region 22 of the diaper (FIG. 1), when the diaper is closed.The fastener tabs 36 may be hook-and-loop type fasteners, adhesive tapetabs, or other suitable fasteners. Fasteners are used to assemble andhold the diaper in a pant configuration.

The diaper structure of the invention includes an alignment indicator75. The alignment indicator 75 may be a mark, a line, an internalfeature or an internal layer of the diaper structure, beneath the bodyside liner. In the diaper structure of FIG. 2, the alignment indicator75 is a visible internal feature, namely a rear edge 71 of surge layer43, which is visible from the body-facing surface 41 of the diaperstructure 20, and through the body side liner 42. The alignmentindicator 75 can be made visible by coloring all or part of the surgelayer 75 with a contrasting color that is visible through body sideliner 42. For instance, if the body side liner 42 is white, and at leastan edge of the surge layer 43 is aqua blue, dark blue, green, or anothercontrasting color, the alignment indicator 75 is visible through thebody side liner as a line separating a white region and a colored regionappearing at body-facing surface 41. The alignment indicator 75 mayprecisely identify a particular longitudinal position by viewing thediaper surface. This alignment indicator 75 is positioned while slidingthe diaper under the wearer to optically align with a second referencepoint on the wearer.

The alignment indicator 75 may be in the form of a tacticallydiscernible indicator, such as a contrasting line, spot, circle,texture, or pattern. For example, the alignment indicator 75 may includeone or more vertical and/or lateral lines. As another example, thealignment indicator 75 may include a printed region of color. As yetanother example, the line of contrast between two colors, such asbetween a blue front region and a white back region, may be used as analignment indicator 75. Additionally, side regions could be a thirdcolor or a different shade in order to avoid confusion over the locationof the alignment indicator 75.

The alignment indicator 75 includes a first reference point 77 which,during donning of the diaper structure, is positioned to optically aligna second reference point on the wearer's body. This principle isillustrated in FIG. 8. A baby 100 is shown in a diaper-changingposition, typically on his or her back with legs 102 in the air. Duringthe diaper-changing process, babies often squirm and kick. Caregiversare very concerned with the amount of time it takes to diaper a babyduring this active phase. Caregivers want the diaper to go on correctlywith excellent fit the first time and do not want to fuss with alignmentwhile diapering and, more importantly, do not want to repeat theactivity due to an improper fit the first time. To provide properalignment, a diaper 20 is positioned partially underneath the baby 100,with its back edge 53 being pushed underneath the baby first. The backedge 53 is pushed or pulled upward in the direction of arrow U until thealignment indicator 75 is barely visible from the viewpoint of thecaregiver.

The diaper 20 is properly longitudinally positioned when the alignmentindicator 75 optically aligns with the top edge of the baby's buttocks104 (i.e., the edge closest to the baby's waist), at about the secondreference point 107 where the crevice 106 between the buttocks 104ceases. The diaper 20 is properly laterally positioned when the firstreference point 77 (which is the lateral center point of the alignmentindicator 75) optically aligns with the second reference point 107. Thefirst reference point 77 is said to “optically align” with the secondreference point 107 when the caregiver, when positioned nearly verticalover the wearer, optically aligns the first reference point 77 with thesecond reference point 107 along a line nearly perpendicular to thebody-facing surface 41 of diaper 20. The diaper 20 can then be closedand fastened in its optimal position on the baby.

A diaper structure may include more than one alignment indicator inorder to facilitate alignment in the lateral and longitudinaldirections, and more clearly define the location of a reference point.In the diaper 20 of FIG. 3, the surge layer 43 is colored as in FIG. 2,and has a back edge 71 defining an alignment indicator 75 which, inturn, includes a first reference point 77 at its center. To betterdefine the location of first reference point 77, a second alignmentindicator 79 in the form of a visually discernible line may be printedalong a longitudinal axis of body side liner 42. From the viewpoint ofthe caregiver, the alignment indicator 75 (visible through body sideliner 42) may intersect the alignment indicator 79 at the preciselocation of the first reference point 77. When such a diaper 20 isdonned on a wearer as shown in FIG. 8, the diaper 20 will be positionedunder the baby 100 and adjusted so that the alignment indicator isbarely visible at the back edge of the buttocks 104, and so that thealignment indicator 79 is parallel to the crevice 106 between buttocks104.

In the diaper 20 of FIG. 4, the surge layer 43 is colored as in FIG. 2,and has a back edge 71 defining an alignment indicator 75 which, inturn, includes a first reference point 77 at its center. The body sideliner 42 includes a pair of transversely opposed alignment indicators inthe form of colored bands 81, each longitudinally disposed and visuallydiscernible, and each spaced an equal distance from the nearest sideedge 55 or 57 of the diaper. From the viewpoint of the caregiver, thealignment indicator 75 (visible through body side liner 42) willintersect alignment indicators 81 at the locations of the two additionalfirst reference points 83 and 85 shown on the body side liner 42. Asshown in FIG. 6, the alignment indicator 75 may have to be extended tointersect the alignment indicators 81 which are shown as the facingedges of the colored bands 83 and 85. In this example shown in FIG. 6,the alignment indicators 75, 81 are discrete, yet are independentindicators that do not create a pattern or have curves. It is preferredthat the indicators be discrete to avoid confusion as to the differentalignment function of each indicator. One type of alignment indicator 75functions as a lateral alignment indicator and another type of alignmentindicator 81 functions as a longitudinal alignment indicator. Havingdifferent colors, different components, and/or discrete locations forthe different alignment features provides the benefit of helping thecaregiver easily distinguish the difference between the indicators and,thus, speeds up the diapering process.

The diaper structure 20 is donned by first grasping the back waist areaand sliding the diaper structure under the baby. This invention uses thesecond alignment indicators to help assure that the diaper structure 20is slid in place to laterally align and eliminate any future adjustmentsof the back waist area. This saves time and frustration while diaperingactive squirmy babies. The second alignment indicators 81 may be thefacing edges of two containment flaps. The caregiver can visualize thelongitudinal center line of the diaper as being a line centered betweenthe second alignment indicators 81. By grasping near this line, thecaregiver can guide the visualized center line under the wearer. Thisaction can become instinctive to center the diaper laterally by knowingwhere to grasp near the center of the back waistband. For optimallateral alignment, the second alignment indicator is slid up thesymmetry plane of the baby in a fashion to assure the center of the backwaist edge is at the center of the wearer's back.

A line or lines serving as the second alignment indicator may continuefor at least one-third the length of the diaper structure. A long lineallows continual viewing of the indicator while sliding the diaperstructure under the wearer. With squirming babies, adjustments can bemade while sliding to deliver optimal fit without secondary adjustments.

Second alignment indicators may be tactical rather than visual, with oneexample being an embossed area or pattern in the back waist area. Thecaregiver may then feel where the second alignment indicator is and beable to apply full visual attention to the wearer when grasping thediaper structure 20 for application. The tactical pattern or area may beabout 2 inches in width or less. This allows the caregiver to easilyfind the indicator and eliminates trying to determine the center. Thepattern or a portion of the pattern may optimally be less thanthree-quarters of an inch so that when touched it is easy to determinethe center of the diaper at first contact. The second alignmentindicator may be on either the outer surface 37, the body-facing surface41, or both surfaces of the diaper structure 20.

A third alignment indicator may be located on the front of the diaperand again may also be tactical. The third alignment indicator is usedwhen folding the diaper on the baby. By using the third alignmentindicator to identify the center of the front waist band area, thecaregiver can fold the front waist portion of the diaper structure 20onto the wearer's abdomen to fold and align the center of the frontwaist band along the symmetry plane of the wearer. The third alignmentindicator may be on either the outer surface 37, the body-facing surface41, or both surfaces of the diaper structure 20.

When the diaper structure 20 is donned as illustrated in FIG. 8, thefirst reference points 83 and 85 will be positioned to optically alignthe second reference points 111 and 113, which represent the visualintersection between the wearer's legs 102 and buttocks 104 from theperspective of the caregiver when baby 100 is in the above-describeddiaper changing position. By optically aligning the first referencepoints 81 and 83 with the second reference points 111 and 113, theposition of diaper 20 is longitudinally and laterally optimized. Thediaper 20 is then closed and fastened in that position.

The diapering process suitably has three discrete steps to avoid havingto juggle multiple alignment features at once on the baby. The firststep is to have the caregiver identify the lateral center near the backwaistband edge 53, for example by locating the midpoint between thefacing edges of the colored alignment indicators 81 a and grasping theback waistband edge 53 near this point. The back waist region 24 is thenslid under the baby in a fashion to keep the center of the back waistedge 53 very near the symmetry plane of the baby. In step two, thecaregiver can now focus on stopping the sliding motion when thealignment indicator 75 meets the edge of the buttocks 106. The thirdstep is to have the caregiver identify the center of the front waistbandedge 51 by locating the midpoint between the facing edges of thealignment indicators 81 a and grasping the front waistband edge 51 nearthis point. The front waist region 22 is then folded over along thesymmetry plane of the baby generally toward or over the belly button.Alignment is now complete and the fasteners can be engaged for a perfectfit. In this process the caregiver has only one activity to focus on ata time and does not have to align multiple points on the diaper tomultiple points on the baby at the same time. This saves time for thecaregiver and increases the ease of use over conventional diapers.

A unique feature of this three-step process is that identifying thecenter of the back waist edge 53 and the center of the front waist edge51 may be done by feel allowing the caregiver to focus on watching andcontrolling the baby during the first and third steps. Moreparticularly, the diaper 20 may include additional alignment features atthe centers of the front and back waist edges 51, 53. This featureallows the diaper of the invention to have two different sensoryalignment features in discretely different locations on the diaper.Examples of suitably alignment features at the centers of the front andback waist edges 51, 53 include alignment features having a texture,thickness or other method to stimulate the touch sense, includingtemperature or moisture changes to identify the center near the front orback waistband edges 51, 53.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of diaper structure 20 inwhich the alignment indicator 73 is shown as a single visuallydiscernible first reference point 77 on the surge layer 43 and/or thebody side liner 42. In the simplest form of the invention, an alignmentindicator defining a single first reference point is all that is needed.The first reference point 77 can be represented as a visuallydiscernible color, pattern, texture, protrusion, opening or other form.To don the diaper 20 in its optimal position, the first reference point77 is positioned to optically align with the second reference point 107on the baby 100 (FIG. 8), which is the back end of crevice 106 betweenbuttocks 104.

The location of one or more second reference points on the wearer mayalso vary. Possible alternative second reference points include withoutlimitation waste exit ports of the anus and genitalia, the perinealregion, the bottom of the spine, or any other anatomical region coveredby the diaper structure 20 when the diaper is on the wearer.Alternatively, the second reference point may be outside the regioncovered by the diaper, such as, for example, along the symmetry plane ofthe baby.

FIG. 6 illustrates the optimal positioning of alignment indicator 75described with respect to FIGS. 2-5 and alignment indicators 81 similarto those described with respect to FIG. 4, on a diaper structure 20. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 6, the alignment indicator 75 is defined by theback edge 71 of colored surge layer 43, and includes a first referencepoint 77 at its center. The alignment indicators 81 a are defined by theinside edges of longitudinally extending colored bands 81 on the bodyside liner. Laterally extending alignment indicator 75 is perpendicularto longitudinally extending alignment indicators 81 a. Additional firstreference points 83 and 85 are defined by the intersections of alignmentindicators 75 and 81 a or (if they do not intersect) by the positionswhere alignment indicators 75 and 81 a extend very close to each other.

The distance “A” is the longitudinal distance from the back edge 53 ofthe diaper structure 20 to the laterally extending alignment indicator75. The distance “D” is the longitudinal distance from the back edge 53to the front edge 51 of the diaper structure 20. The distance “B” is thelateral distance from the first side edge 37 of the front waist region22 to the first (nearest) longitudinally extending alignment indicator81 a. The distance “C” is the lateral distance from the second side edge39 of the front waist region 22 to the second (nearest) longitudinallyextending alignment indicator 81 a.

Because diaper structures 20 come in various sizes and lengths, thelocation of laterally extending alignment indicator 75 can best bedescribed as a ratio of the distance “D” (from the back edge to thefront edge of the diaper) to the distance “A” (from the back edge of thediaper to the alignment indicator). Depending on the location of theselected second reference point, the ratio D/A may range from about 1.75to about 3, suitably about 1.86 to about 2.77, particularly about 2 toabout 2.55, or about 2.1 to about 2.4. To practice the method describedwith respect to FIG. 8, the ratio D/A can be about 2.23.

Variability is an integral part of this invention. All products areexpected to deliver excellent fit. It is expected that all or mostproducts produced fit a range of variability to effectively andconsistently deliver the desired fit. Furthermore, it is expected thatthe D/A ratio vary by not more than 30% in a case of product (4packages) to deliver the ease of use benefit.

The precise location of longitudinally extending alignment indicators 81a depends on the locations of the selected first reference points 83 and85, and second reference points which correspond to these alignmentindicators. However, for optimal lateral alignment, the distance “B”(from the lateral edge 37 to the first longitudinal alignment indicator81 a) should be within about ±10 mm of the distance “C” (from thelateral edge 39 to the second longitudinal alignment indicator 81 a).Suitably, the distance “B” should be within about ±5 mm of the distance“C.” In particular, the distances “B” and “C” may be about equal.

Regardless of their locations, the alignment indicators (e.g., 75 and 81a) should be visible from the body-facing surface of the diaperstructure 20, and are suitably visible from the body-facing surface ofthe chassis 32, which is the region including the body side liner, outercover and absorbent core. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the front edge 69of the surge layer 43 corresponds to the front edge of the coloredregion, and does not constitute an alignment indicator. In analternative embodiment, the surge layer 43 may be colored along onlypart of its length (e.g., along a minor portion of its length), and thefront edge of the colored region may constitute a laterally extendingalignment indicator. In certain embodiments, the surge layer 43 orabsorbent core 44 may include pulsed colored superabsorbent materialthat can be registered when injected to deliver an area that has coloras an indicator.

In order for the diaper structure 20 to be used effectively byconsumers, especially new consumers, instructions should be providedalong with the diaper structure 20. The instructions may be writtenand/or graphical, and may be provided on a diaper structure package, asa separate insert in a diaper package, through in-store or mediaadvertising, or other advertising channels not in direct contact withthe diaper structure, or, in some instances, on the diaper structureitself. FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of a package 82 in combinationwith one or more diaper structures 20 sold under the trade name HUGGIES.The package includes a label 84 which may be provided with instructions.The instructions may be in written form and may be in English, Spanish,French, Chinese, Japanese, German or any other language. Theinstructions may alternatively be in the form of graphics, possibly incombination with written instructions, which visually demonstrate thedonning of diaper structure 20 on a wearer. Graphic changes on theproduct may not make it intuitive for the caregiver to use the graphicsto align the product. This is why it is important to inform thecaregiver of the benefit of the graphics and how to use alignmentindicators. This is even more important when there is more than onealignment indicator and/or other graphic patterns on the diaperstructure 20.

The instructions should be sufficient to guide the consumer on how topractice the method of the invention. The instructions should identifythe locations of one or more visually discernible alignment indicatorson the diaper structure which define the locations of one or more firstreference points. The instructions should identify the locations of oneor more second reference points on the wearer, instruct the consumer toplace the diaper structure in a position where the one or more firstreference points optically align with the one or more second referencepoints, and instruct the consumer to fasten the diaper structure in theposition. For example, the instructions could describe the three-stepprocess described above.

The method of the invention can be practiced with any absorbent garmentand is not limited to diaper structures. In one embodiment, the methodof donning an absorbent article includes the steps of defining a firstreference point on a body-facing surface of the absorbent garment,defining a second reference point on a wearer, placing the absorbentgarment in a position relative to the wearer where the first referencepoint optically aligns with the second reference point, and fasteningthe absorbent garment in the position. In a related embodiment, theforegoing method includes the steps of defining a plurality of firstreference points on a body-facing surface of the absorbent garment,defining a plurality of second reference points on a wearer, placing theabsorbent garment in a position relative to the wearer where the firstreference points optically align with the second reference points, andfastening the absorbent garment in the position.

The invention is also directed to a method of facilitating the donningof an absorbent garment on a wearer. The method includes the steps ofdefining one or more first reference points on a body-facing surface ofthe absorbent garment, defining one or more second reference points on aprospective wearer, and instructing a consumer to place the absorbentgarment in a position relative to the wearer where the one or more firstreference points optically align with the one or more second referencepoints. The consumer can then be instructed to fasten the absorbentgarment in the position.

For the sake of completeness, the following discussion is directedmainly to conventional features of the diaper structure 20 describedabove. The absorbent chassis 32 includes body side liner 42, surge layer43, absorbent core 44 and outer cover 40.

The liquid permeable body side liner 42 is illustrated as overlying theouter cover 40, absorbent core 44 and surge layer 43, and may but neednot have the same dimensions as the outer cover 40. The body side liner42 is desirably compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to thewearer's skin. Further, the body side liner 42 can be less hydrophilicthan the absorbent core 44, to present a relatively dry surface to thewearer and permit liquid to readily penetrate through its thickness. Thebody side liner 42 desirably includes a material that can be elastic,stretchable, extensible, non-stretchable, or non-extensible.

The body side liner 42 can be manufactured from a wide selection of webmaterials, such as synthetic fibers (for example, polyester orpolypropylene fibers), natural fibers (for example, wood or cottonfibers), a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, porous foams,reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, or the like. Various wovenand nonwoven fabrics can be used for the body side liner 42. Forexample, the body side liner can be composed of a meltblown orspunbonded web of polyolefin fibers. The body side liner can also be abonded-carded web composed of natural and/or synthetic fibers. The bodyside liner can be composed of a substantially hydrophobic material, andthe hydrophobic material can, optionally, be treated with a surfactantor otherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability andhydrophilicity. For example, the material can be surface treated withabout 0.45 weight percent of a surfactant mixture including AHCOVEL®N-62 available from Uniqema Inc., a division of ICI of New Castle, Del.,U.S.A. and GLUCOPON® 220UP available from Cognis Corporation of Ambler,Pa., and produced in Cincinnati, Ohio, in an active ratio of 3:1. Thesurfactant can be applied by any conventional means, such as spraying,printing, brush coating or the like. The surfactant can be applied tothe entire body side liner 42 or can be selectively applied toparticular sections of the body side liner, such as the medial sectionalong the longitudinal centerline.

A suitable liquid permeable body side liner 42 is a nonwoven bicomponentweb having a basis weight of about 27 gsm. The nonwoven bicomponent canbe a spunbond bicomponent web, or a bonded carded bicomponent web.Suitable bicomponent staple fibers include a polyethylene/polypropylenebicomponent fiber available from CHISSO Corporation, Osaka, Japan. Inthis particular bicomponent fiber, the polypropylene forms the core andthe polyethylene forms the sheath of the fiber. Other fiber orientationsare possible, such as multi-lobe, side-by-side, end-to-end, or the like.While the outer cover 40 and body side liner 42 can include extendibleand/or elastomeric materials, it can be desirable in some embodimentsfor the composite structure to be generally inelastic, where the outercover, body side liner, absorbent core and surge layer include materialsthat are generally not elastomeric.

The surge layer 43 is formed of a highly liquid pervious, open, porousmaterial. Suitable materials include without limitation porous wovenmaterials, porous nonwoven materials, apertured woven or nonwovenmaterials, open-celled foams, curly cellulose fiber mat, and batting.Examples include flexible porous sheets of thermoplastic fibers such aspolypropylene, polyethylene or polyester fibers; webs of spunbondpolypropylene, polyethylene or polyester fibers; webs of rayon fibers;bonded carded webs of synthetic or natural fibers or combinationsthereof. U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,675, issued 18 May 1999 to Laux et al.,provides further examples of suitable surge materials. This patent isincorporated by reference.

The absorbent core 44 can be any structure which is generallycompressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, andcapable of absorbing and retaining liquids and certain body wastes atanticipated levels despite the narrowed crotch width. The absorbent core44 can be manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and from awide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in the art. Forexample, the absorbent core 44 can suitably include a matrix ofhydrophilic fibers, such as a web of cellulosic fluff, mixed withparticles of a high-absorbency material commonly known as superabsorbentmaterial. In a particular embodiment, the absorbent core 44 includes amatrix of cellulosic fluff, such as wood pulp fluff, and superabsorbenthydrogel-forming particles. The wood pulp fluff can be exchanged withsynthetic, polymeric, meltblown fibers or with a combination ofmeltblown fibers and natural fibers. The superabsorbent particles can besubstantially homogeneously mixed with the hydrophilic fibers or can benonuniformly mixed. The fluff and superabsorbent particles can also beselectively placed into desired zones of the absorbent core 44 to bettercontain and absorb body exudates. The absorbent core 44 can havevariable thickness, with greater thickness in “target” areas, such as ina central portion of the crotch region. The concentration of thesuperabsorbent particles can also vary through the thickness of theabsorbent core 44. Alternatively, the absorbent core 44 can include alaminate of fibrous webs and superabsorbent material or other suitablemeans of maintaining a superabsorbent material in a localized area. Theabsorbent core 44 may or may not be wrapped or encompassed by a suitabletissue wrap that maintains the integrity and/or shape of the absorbentcore 44. In certain embodiments, the absorbent core 44 may contain abody side liner and/or a moisture barrier in addition to absorbent anddistribution elements. In such embodiments, the absorbent core 44 may beattached to the outer cover 40 and need not be sandwiched between twolayers. The absorbent core 44 may also contain leg elastics inembodiments such as this.

Suitable superabsorbent materials can be selected from natural,synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials. Thesuperabsorbent materials can be inorganic materials, such as silicagels, or organic compounds, such as crosslinked polymers. Suitablesuperabsorbent materials are available from various commercial vendors,such as Dow Chemical Company located in Midland, Mich., U.S.A., andDegussa Superabsorber in Greensboro, N.C., U.S.A. Typically, asuperabsorbent material is capable of absorbing at least about 15 timesits weight in water, and desirably is capable of absorbing more thanabout 25 times its weight in water.

The outer cover 40 desirably includes a material that may besubstantially liquid impermeable or liquid permeable, and can beelastic, stretchable, extensible, non-stretchable, or non-extensible.The outer cover 40 can be a single layer of liquid impermeable material,but desirably includes a multi-layered laminate structure in which atleast one of the layers is liquid impermeable. For instance, the outercover 40 can include a liquid permeable outer layer and a liquidimpermeable inner layer that are suitably joined together by a laminateadhesive (not shown). Suitable laminate adhesives, which can be appliedcontinuously or intermittently as beads, a spray, parallel swirls, orthe like, can be obtained from Findley Adhesives, Inc., of Wauwatosa,Wis., U.S.A., or from National Starch and Chemical Company, Bridgewater,N.J., U.S.A. The liquid permeable outer layer can be any suitablematerial and desirably one that provides a generally cloth-like texture.One example of such a material is a 20 gsm (grams per square meter)spunbond polypropylene nonwoven web. The outer layer may also be made ofthose materials of which liquid permeable body side liner 42 is made.While it is not a necessity for the outer layer to be liquid permeable,it is desired that it provides a relatively cloth-like texture to thewearer.

The inner layer of the outer cover 40 can be both liquid and vaporimpermeable, or can be liquid impermeable and vapor permeable. The innerlayer of the outer cover 40 desirably includes a material that can beelastic, stretchable, extensible, non-stretchable, or non-extensible.The inner layer is desirably manufactured from a thin plastic film,although other flexible liquid impermeable materials may also be used.The inner layer, or the liquid impermeable outer cover 40 when a singlelayer, prevents waste material from wetting articles, such as bedsheetsand clothing, as well as the wearer and care giver. A suitable liquidimpermeable film for use as a liquid impermeable inner layer, or asingle layer liquid impermeable outer cover 40, is a 0.02 millimeterpolyethylene film commercially available from Huntsman Packaging ofNewport News, Va., U.S.A. If the outer cover 40 is a single layer ofmaterial, it can be embossed and/or matte finished to provide a morecloth-like appearance. As earlier mentioned, the liquid impermeablematerial can permit vapors to escape from the interior of the disposableabsorbent article, while still preventing liquids from passing throughthe outer cover 40. A suitable “breathable” material is composed of amicroporous polymer film or a nonwoven fabric that has been coated orotherwise treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability. Asuitable microporous film is a PMP-1 film material commerciallyavailable from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., Tokyo, Japan, or anXKO-8044 polyolefin film commercially available from 3M Company,Minneapolis, Minn.

Certain “non-breathable” elastic films can also be used to make theouter cover 40. Examples of suitable non-breathable films can be made ofstyrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene or styrene-isoprene-styrene blockcopolymers, KRATON® polymers from Kraton Inc. of Houston, Tex., U.S.A.,metallocene catalyzed elastomers or plastomers, and the like. Othermaterials suitable for making the outer cover 40 include monolithicbreathable films, such as those made of polyether amide based polymers,for example PEBAX, and ether/ester polyurethane thermal-plasticelastomers.

The absorbent chassis 32 may also incorporate other conventionalmaterials and layers. A vapor-permeable, hydrophobic spacer layer (notshown) may be positioned between the absorbent core 44 and the outercover 40 as a further measure to prevent a clammy feeling on an outersurface of the outer cover 40 when the diaper structure is loaded.

The diaper 20 may include a waist elastic member 52 and 54 in the frontwaist region 22, in the back waist region 24, or in both the front andback waist regions 22, 24 of the garment, operatively attached to theouter cover 40 and/or body side liner 42 and extending across part or afull length of the waist regions.

As explained above, to further enhance containment and/or absorption ofbody exudates, the diaper 20 may also include leg elastic members 56 and58, as are known to those skilled in the art. The leg elastic members 56and 58 may be operatively joined to the outer cover 40 and/or body sideliner 42 along opposite side edges of the absorbent chassis 32 andpositioned in the crotch region 26 of the diaper 20.

The waist elastic members 52 and 54, and the leg elastic members 56 and58, can be formed of any suitable elastic material. As is well known tothose skilled in the art, suitable elastic materials include sheets,strands or ribbons of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplasticelastomeric polymers. The elastic materials can be stretched and adheredto a substrate, adhered to a gathered substrate, or adhered to asubstrate and then elasticized or shrunk, for example with theapplication of heat; such that elastic constrictive forces are impartedto the substrate. In one particular embodiment, for example, the waistelastic members 52 and 54 may include apolystyrene-polyethylene-polypropylene-polystyrene (SEPS) blockcopolymer, such as KRATON® G2760, available from Kraton Inc. of Houston,Tex., U.S.A.

The diaper 20 may be refastenable, thereby including a refastenablefastening system for securing the diaper about the waist of the wearer.One example of a suitable refastenable fastening system includesfastening components 36, such as hook components, located along oradjacent to the distal edges of the tabs 34. Suitable single-sided hookmaterials are available from Velcro Industries B.V., Amsterdam,Netherlands, or affiliates thereof. The fastening components 36 areadapted to refastenably connect to one or more mating fasteningcomponents 38, such as loop material, located on an outer surface 37 ofthe front waist region 22. One example of suitable loop material is“point unbonded” material. Point unbonded materials are fabrics havingcontinuous thermally bonded areas defining a plurality of discreteunbonded areas and are described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No.5,858,515 issued Jan. 12, 1999 to Stokes, et al., incorporated herein byreference. The engaging elements of the fastening components 36 areadapted to repeatedly engage and disengage the engaging elements of themating fastening components 38.

Additionally, the diaper 20 may include a pre-fastened, non-refastenablesecond fastening system (not shown) to assist in applying the diaper 20to a wearer. The non-refastenable fastening system may be torn whenremoving the diaper 20 from the wearer. The non-refastenable fasteningsystem may be formed by attaching one edge of a loop material to adistal edge of the front waist region 22 of the absorbent chassis 32 andattaching an opposite edge of the same material to the tab 34 on thesame side in the back waist region 24 of the garment with releasablebonds. Alternatively, the loop material may extend across a full widthof the front waist region 22 of the absorbent chassis 32, therebyproviding a mating fastening component 38, or landing strip, for thefastening components 36 of the refastenable fastening system, and extendeven farther past the distal edges of the front waist region 22, suchthat the non-refastenable fastening system can be formed from the loopmaterial that extends past the distal edges of the front waist region.

To enhance containment and/or absorption of any body exudates dischargedfrom the wearer, the chassis 32 may include a pair of elasticizedcontainment flaps (not shown) which are configured to provide a barrierto the transverse flow of body exudates. Elastic containment flapstypically define an unattached edge which assumes an upright, generallyperpendicular configuration in at least the crotch region 26 of thediaper 20 to form a seal against the wearer's body. The containmentflaps can be located along the transversely opposed side edges of thechassis 32, or in the crotch region 26, and can extend longitudinallyalong the entire length of the chassis or may only extend partiallyalong the length of the chassis. Suitable constructions and arrangementsfor containment flaps are generally well known to those skilled in theart.

As described herein, the various components of the absorbent garment 20can be integrally assembled together employing various types of suitableattachment means, such as adhesive, sonic and thermal bonds orcombinations thereof.

The absorbent garments can be packaged individually, or multipleabsorbent garments can be packaged together in suitable packaging, suchas in bags or boxes constructed of paper or polymeric film, for example.A package 82 (FIG. 7) may contain any number of absorbent garments 20.The absorbent garments may be stacked so that each adjacent pair ofgarments contacts one another along a planar portion of their outercovers. These stacks may be packaged together such that a packagecontains multiple stacks of absorbent garments.

EXAMPLES

Two sample diapers were formed in accordance with the invention. Bothdiapers were formed from the same materials as in HUGGIES Ultratrim Step4 diapers, available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation of Neenah, Wis.,and differed only by the specifications described below.

The first sample diaper included blue containment flaps having thealignment indicators 81 spaced apart by 1 inch (2.54 cm) at the back andfront waist bands, and an aqua surge layer positioned 190 mm from theback waist edge. Total length of the diaper was 425 mm.

The second sample diaper included an embossed pattern at the front andback waistband edges with an aqua surge layer positioned 190 mm from theback waist edge. Total length of the diaper was 425 mm. The embossedpattern also serves as an aid for grasping and holding onto the diaperwhile diapering. The embossed pattern was embossed with a pressuredpatterned roll against an anvil roll. The pattern was 1 inch in lateralwidth.

While the embodiments of the invention described herein are presentlypreferred, various modifications and improvements can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of theinvention is indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that fallwithin the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embracedtherein.

1. A diaper structure having a front edge, back edge and side edges,comprising: a front waist region, a back waist region, and fastenersconfigured to secure the diaper structure on a wearer after manualadjustment to position the diaper structure relative to the wearer; aliquid-permeable body side liner having a body-facing surface; an outercover; an absorbent core between the body side liner and the outercover; a first alignment indicator visible from the body-facing surfaceand having a visually discernible feature, wherein the first alignmentindicator identifies a particular longitudinal position on the diaperstructure between the front edge and the back edge of the diaperstructure, the first alignment indicator disposed to be opticallyaligned with a reference point on a prospective wearer as the diaperstructure is donned on the wearer and to remain visible after the diaperstructure is at an optimal position on the wearer; wherein the firstalignment indicator is a longitudinal distance “A” from the back edge,and the front edge is a longitudinal distance “D” from the back edge;and the first alignment indicator is positioned such that a ratio of D/Ais about 1.75 to about
 3. 2. The diaper structure of claim 1, furthercomprising a surge layer having a visually contrasting color visiblefrom the body-facing surface, wherein the surge layer comprises thefirst alignment indicator.
 3. The diaper structure of claim 2, whereinthe first alignment indicator is defined by a back edge of the surgelayer.
 4. The diaper structure of claim 2, wherein the surge layercomprises a colored region, and the first alignment indicator is definedby an edge of the colored region.
 5. The diaper structure of claim 1,wherein the first alignment indicator comprises a visually discerniblelaterally extending line that includes at least one first referencepoint.
 6. The diaper structure of claim 5, wherein the line is definedby a contrast between a first color and a second color.
 7. The diaperstructure of claim 1, further comprising a second alignment indicator.8. The diaper structure of claim 7, wherein the second alignmentindicator is positioned in a back waist region.
 9. The diaper structureof claim 7, wherein the first and second alignment indicators intersectat a first reference point.
 10. The diaper structure of claim 7, whereinthe second alignment indicator comprises two marks that run the lengthof the diaper structure.
 11. The diaper structure of claim 5, furthercomprising second and third alignment indicators, each comprising avisually discernible longitudinally extending line.
 12. The diaperstructure of claim 11, wherein: the second alignment indicator islaterally spaced from a first side edge in a front waist region of thediaper structure by a distance “B,” the third alignment indicator islaterally spaced from a second side edge in the front waist region ofthe diaper structure by a distance “C,” and B=C.+.−0.10 mm.
 13. Thediaper structure of claim 12, wherein B=C.+−0.5 mm.
 14. The diaperstructure of claim 1, further comprising a tactically discernible secondalignment indicator positioned in a back waist region or in a frontwaist region.
 15. The diaper structure of claim 1, further comprising atactically discernible second alignment indicator and a tacticallydiscernible third alignment indicator, wherein the second alignmentindicator is positioned in a back waist region and the third alignmentindicator is positioned in a front waist region.
 16. The diaperstructure of claim 1, comprising at least two different sensoryalignment indicators positioned in discretely different locations on thediaper structure.
 17. The diaper structure of claim 16, wherein the atleast two different sensory alignment indicators together utilize visualand tactile senses.
 18. The diaper structure of claim 16, wherein atleast one of the alignment indicators is both visually discernible andtactically discernible.
 19. The diaper structure of claim 1, wherein D/Ais about 1.86 to about 2.77.
 20. The diaper structure of claim 1,wherein D/A is about 2 to about 2.55.
 21. The diaper structure of claim1, wherein D/A is about 2.23.
 22. The diaper structure of claim 1,wherein the visually discernible feature comprises a visuallydiscernible contrasting pattern.
 23. The diaper structure of claim 1,wherein the visually discernible feature comprises a visuallydiscernible contrasting texture.
 24. The diaper structure of claim 1,wherein the visually discernible feature comprises a tacticallydiscernible texture.
 25. The diaper structure of claim 1, wherein thevisually discernible feature comprises a visually discerniblecontrasting spot.